fine natural park. From
the cupola which surmounts the roof can be seen in the distance the
waters of Lake Michigan, stretching for many miles from north to south
and from east to west, like a vast inland sea.

The level lawns, the greenhouses, the garden with rare plants and
flowers, show clearly that this is the abode of a rich man. My readers
will be specially interested to know that this is the luxurious and
stately home of Mr. Granville, whose son's fortunes we have been
following.

This, too, is the home of Mrs. Brent and Jonas, who, under false
representations, have gained a foothold in the home of the Western
millionaire.

Surely it is a great change for one brought up like Jonas to be the
recognized heir and supposed son of so rich a man! It is a change,
too, for his mother, who, though she dare not avow the relationship, is
permitted to share the luxury of her son. Mrs. Brent has for her own
use two of the best rooms in the mansion, and so far as money can bring
happiness, she has every right to consider herself happy.

Is she?

Not as happy as she anticipated. To begin with, she is always dreading
that some untoward circumstance will reveal the imposition she has
practiced upon Mr. Granville. In that case what can she expect but to be
ejected in disgrace from her luxurious home? To be sure, she will have
her husband's property left, but it would be a sad downfall and descent
in the social scale.

Besides, she finds cause for anxiety in Jonas, and the change which his
sudden and undeserved elevation has wrought in him. It requires a strong
mind to withstand the allurements and temptations of prosperity, and
Jonas is far from possessing a strong mind. He is, indeed, if I may
be allowed the expression, a vulgar little snob, utterly selfish, and
intent solely upon his own gratification. He has a love for drink,
and against the protests of his mother and the positive command of Mr.
Granville, indulges his taste whenever he thinks he can do so without
fear of detection. To the servants he makes himself very offensive by
assuming consequential airs and a lordly bearing, which excites their
hearty dislike.

He is making his way across the lawn at this moment. He is dressed in
clothes of the finest material and the most fashionable cut. A thick
gold chain is displayed across his waistcoat, attached to an expensive
gold watch, bought for him by his supposed father. He carries in his
hand a natty cane, and st